Erie County has again been recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (“NOAA’s”) National Weather Service as being StormReady®, confirming that Erie continues to meet a stringent set of storm warning reception and information dissemination criteria, enabling prompt identification of potential weather hazards as well as speeding distribution of necessary warning information. Erie is again the only WNY County to receive the designation, which is effective through 2019. Across New York State there are 44 StormReady® sites, including 25 counties, 9 communities, 2 government/military sites, 8 universities, and 13 supporters. The closest StormReady® counties to Erie are Monroe and Livingston.

“Erie County’s Department of Emergency Services works tirelessly to train, educate, prepare and assist communities and individuals in developing resiliency plans in the event of severe weather, and is vigilant and ready as weather approaches,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “As individuals, families, neighbors and communities it is essential that we do all we can to plan for our safety as well as the safety of others, including pets. To again receive the Storm Ready® designation is a credit to this Department, along with the departments of Health and Public Works, and underscores the value and necessity of preparation for severe weather and all that it could entail.”

Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services Dan Neaverth, Jr. added, “The key to successful completion of the Storm Ready program requires, a dedicated community oriented staff, an ongoing working relationship with the terrific folks at the National Weather Service and direct public outreach. The Storm Ready program epitomizes the need for collaboration during disaster preparedness and response.”

StormReady® is a nationwide community preparedness program that uses a grassroots approach in helping communities develop plans to handle local severe weather. In order to be recognized as StormReady, communities must establish a 24-hour warning point and Emergency Operations Center; have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and alert the public; create a system to monitor local weather conditions; promote the importance of community preparedness through public seminars; and develop a formal severe weather plan.